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Pilliga farmers react to the Federal Government drought reform

This map illustrates the severe rainfall deficiencies across an eight-month period as compiled by the National Climate Centre

National Climate Centre

or The state and federal governments have signed off on drought reform measures, with an emphasis on preparation for drought, and less focus on financial assistance during drought.

It's a move that is concerning Graham McNair from the Pilliga; he is the chairman of the Pilliga Drought Committee and he says there farmers are already in trouble in parts of NSW, and some farmers will soon be facing some very difficult decisions.

"I think we might soon face an animal welfare issue; we've had no rain in the past month and a lot of farmers do not have the equity left in their farms to allow them to feed or agist their stock."

Mr McNair says cattle prices are low, and that's for stock that are in peak condition, he says there is no market for cattle that are already drought affected and he said many farmers cannot afford to feed their stock.

Mr McNair says there doesn't seem to be any equity in Australia's attitude to economic return for effort.

"We live in a society that virtually protects people's wages and ensures wage justice and yet our price justice and our price system has been taken away when the free traders moved in."